By Charles Lefebvre

AHS provides tips to prevent frostbite

Feb 7, 2019 | 3:49 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat and the surrounding area is longer under an extreme cold warning, after Environment Canada lifted it Thursday morning.

However, the risk of frostbite remains, and Alberta Health Services is reminding residents precautions need to be taken to prevent it.

“Any kind of cold injury is going to have an increase in incidence when we’re having a cold snap as we are right now,” said Dr. Lena Derie-Gillespie, medical officer of health for the South Zone. “That would include frostbite, and also concern issues like hypothermia as well.”

Frostbite is a freezing of skin tissue which can range from mild to severe, and can occur within minutes in extreme cold.

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Symptoms include changing of skin appearance, pain and numbness in the affected areas. If not treated, severe frostbite can cause permanent damage.

Derie-Gillespie says younger children and older seniors are at an increased risk of contracting frostbite, as they might not be able to judge the temperature change on their skin. She adds other factors, including time spent outside, and wet clothing can also affect the severity of frostbite.

One of the easiest ways to prevent frostbite is to wear appropriate clothing while outside, such as gloves and winter coats.

Derie-Gillespie says cold temperature is not something to take lightly, and immediate action is needed if frostbite does occur.

“Get out of the cold environment, get somewhere where you can do the re-warming without a risk of freezing again,” she said. “If it’s mild, your hands are just a bit cold, re-warm them in your house, (cover with) loose blankets, get tight clothing off, but if you’re concerned there is a deeper injury, call Health Link or talk with your health care provider, because more aggressive re-warming may be needed in situations like this.”

Health Link can be reached by calling 811, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.